Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed he wants to sign Thiago Alcantara from old club Barcelona.

The highly-rated Spain Under-21 star has apparently decided he needs to quit the Nou Camp in order to increase his chances of making next summer's World Cup.

It seemed Manchester United were in pole position to sign the midfielder, with new manager David Moyes keen for Thiago to bolster an area of the Red Devils squad weakened by the retirement of Paul Scholes.

But United landed in Bangkok for the start of their pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia to reports in Spain that Thiago had opted to link up with his former boss in Munich.

And, speaking in Germany today, Guardiola has confirmed he wants Thiago at the Allianz Arena.

"Yes," Guardiola told reporters, when asked if he was interested in Thiago.

"I don't know what's going to happen. We have to wait. But I know him very well. He is a super, super player.